Pune Faces Water Crisis as PMC and Maharashtra Government Clash Over Unpaid Bills

Pune, 15th February 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Water Resources Department are embroiled in a dispute over unpaid water bills, with the latter threatening to cut off the city’s water supply if the dues are not cleared immediately.

The Water Resources Department has issued a warning to the PMC, demanding payment of Rs 726.12 crore in outstanding water charges. Failure to comply could result in the suspension of water supply to the city.

However, the PMC contests this claim, asserting that the actual outstanding amount is only Rs 160 crore. The corporation maintains that it has been regularly paying its water bills and has filed a petition with the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority challenging the charges imposed by the Water Resources Department.

The dispute stems from the increasing water demand in Pune due to expanding city limits and growing population. The PMC has been drawing more water than its allocated quota from the Khadakwasla and Bhama Askhed dams, leading to additional charges. The Water Resources Department has been billing the PMC at industrial rates for the excess water usage, causing the bills to escalate from 150-200 crore to over 700 crore rupees.

The PMC argues that the Water Resources Department’s billing practices are unfair, citing reasons such as:

1. Charging industrial rates despite the absence of processing industries in the city
2. Classifying 15% of water usage as commercial
3. Imposing fines for releasing untreated sewage directly into rivers

Attempts to resolve the issue through meetings between the two entities have been unsuccessful, prompting the PMC to file for arbitration.

Nandkishor Jagtap, head of PMC’s water supply department, stated that the corporation objects to the water charges imposed by the Water Resources Department and will pay the regular water bill of Rs 160 crore.

On the other hand, Shweta Kurhade, superintendent of the Khadakwasla Irrigation Department, emphasized that the PMC has outstanding dues and has been notified multiple times. She warned that if the dues are not cleared, water cuts would be implemented starting February 25.

The ongoing dispute highlights the complex challenges in managing water resources and distribution in rapidly growing urban areas, with potential implications for Pune’s residents if a resolution is not reached soon.